High workload and stress with no resources to support - Sr. Director Mattel Employee Review

1.0
Mar 18, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Recognizable brand. Working on toys, children entertainment, and adult collector products is fun. Company wins a lot of awards for culture (but that's all marketing).

Cons

Does not value top talent - mediocre talent is okay if it fits the cost profile. Impossible to get promoted with inflexible HR rules, unless you are a friend of an EVP where an exception is given to the HR promotion rules. HR ethics team investigates a ton, but takes no action on legitimate grievances. Constant cost cutting to your budgets multiple times a year. Annual layoffs resulting in less competent people and higher workloads for those remaining. Technology run by offshore outsourcing that can only delivery basic IT services. Disconnected CEO from rest of company. No bonus even in profitable year (bonus paid last 2 of 3 years only) which is a significant component or Sr. Managers+. Inconsitent enforcement of mandatory 4-day return-to-office.

Explore other reviews about Mattel

5.0
Feb 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mattel is a notable name and you get to work with some really great brands.

Cons

Strict in-office policy, 4 days in-office.

3.0
Jul 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Depends on your team and manager! If you get a good one, it's great. However, if you get a bad one... it's really bad. Luck of the draw.

Cons

Poor director upper management usually from all departments. They often do lay offs every year, sometimes 2-3 times a year to clean management. Thus causing a lot of churn.

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